Newcastle's Kevin Nolan having West Ham medical

15 June 2011 12:03

It is understood Newcastle's top scorer from last season has travelled south to have the tests after rejecting a new contract at St James' Park.

Newcastle rejected an offer described as "derisory" for the 28 year-old, who has two years remaining on his existing deal, from West Ham last week, but their pursuit seems to have taken a step forward.

Neither club was commenting on the matter this lunchtime as a man whose retention was a priority for manager Alan Pardew this summer edged closer to the exit door.

The Londoners are understood to have initially offered around £1.5 million for the midfielder, who would be re-united with former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce at Upton Park if the deal went through.

Nolan, who arrived on Tyneside in a £4m switch from Bolton in Jan 2009, has been a key figure in Newcastle's fightback from the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2008-09 season.